June 1, 2015
The Sycamore Group has introduced to Normal Heights a new family-friendly, casual dining concept - Burnside - featuring an internationally influenced artisan sandwich menu crafted by consulting chef Lhasa Landry (The Lion’s Share, Tiger! Tiger!, The Heart & Trotter). A thoughtfully curated wine, local craft beer drafts and small-batch soda beverage list complements the well-prepared offerings. The menu is also available at the Group’s award-winning Sycamore Den cocktail lounge, one door over.
Located on Adams Avenue near the Normal Heights neighborhood sign, Burnside is inspired by principal partners Russell Hampton and Nick Zanoni’s travels to cosmopolitan cities, including New Orleans, Louisiana, Portland and San Francisco. Burnside is the Sycamore Group’s second project in Normal Heights, a community they feel closely connected to.

“Most of the locals here in Normal Heights have been here for a long time and there’s a sense of community that is very unique,” says Russell Hampton, co-owner of Burnside. “It’s a great place in San Diego to open a business and learn how to work within a community to gain its support, which is our ultimate goal. We strive to be a community business that provides top notch, comfort street food to our community.”

Now open for lunch and dinner, Burnside offers an approachable menu of reinvented classic meat-centric artisan sandwiches, made with regionally sourced ingredients. The global street-fare-influenced menu includes the Kimchi Jong Umm, made with Bulgogi (thinly sliced rib eye marinated in Korean BBQ sauce), kimchi slaw, scallions, served on three mantou buns; the Pot Roast Butty, a ciabatta roll stuffed with braised beef au jus, roasted carrots, caramelized onions and fried potatoes; and the Bahn MIHO, a collaboration with A MIHO EXPERIENCE made with marinated hoisin pork belly or tofu, cucumber, carrots, cilantro, sprouts, jalapeño, in a baguette served alongside Pho dipping broth prepared by San Diego’s Southeast Asian street food pop-up, Pho Realz’.

Vegetarian-friendly options include the Veggie Portobello sandwich, Stinky Grilled Cheese, hearty salads and many of the menu selections can be made vegetarian with the substitution of tofu—as well as vegan or gluten-free (served on a bed of organic greens).

Sides include three different takes on thick cut French fries, sweet potato fries, tots or a house salad topped with Burnside’s housemade vinaigrette. Dessert sandwiches include two variations on a Deep Fried Sweet Monte Cristo (one with peanut butter, chocolate and marshmallows, another with berries and cream) and a Ginger Snap Ice Cream Sandwich. A kids’ menu offers grilled cheese or chicken tenders, served with fries, tots or veggies - plus a scoop of ice cream.

At Burnside, award-winning cocktail and beverage curator and Sycamore Den’s General Manager Sarah Ellis has conceived an evolving wine program with a menu featuring light, refreshing rosé wines and Proseccos, approachable esoteric wine selections as well as Old World varietals. Four local craft drafts include brews from Saint Archer Brewing Company, Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Belching Beaver Brewery, Mother Earth Brew Co. and Fall Brewing Company, as well as a rotating Nitro stout. For those needing a non-alcoholic pick-me-up, Modern Times cold brew coffee will be offered on draft.

For the second time, the Sycamore Group has consulted with award-winning design group Bells & Whistles to conceptualize Burnside’s sleek 1,000 square-foot interior. Styled after a traditional delicatessen, with industrial design elements that pay homage to Portland, Oregon’s Burnside district’s humble railroad and seafaring roots, guests will place orders at a waterfall Carrera marble walk-up counter. The eatery’s 35 seats include communal tables, both inside and on the street-facing patio, bar counter seating or at the weathered chevron bar. Traditional hexagon patterned Mexican tile and hand-painted logos designed by Cris Bowles, add a punch of color to Burnside’s muted gray and white color palette. Gray washed wood sourced from Vintage Timber and Made Lumber lines the hallway adorned with pop-art skateboards dedicated to the ‘Ladies of Rock,’ a nod to the well-known Burnside Skate Park.

Regulars at the group’s Sycamore Den cocktail lounge will notice amber-paned windows, wood accents and a cognac leather booth reminiscent of the 1970s styled interior at the Den. Inspired by metropolitan examples, Burnside will serve as the kitchen for Sycamore Den, just one door over. Patrons will have the ability to order all of Burnside’s food menu items, served on vintage TV trays, without ever having to leave. A citrus-forward seasonal cocktail menu, newly released at Sycamore Den, will pair with the Burnside food menu.

Burnside is located at 3375 Adams Avenue in San Diego’s Normal Heights neighborhood and will be open from 11am to 11pm Tuesday to Thursday and 11am to 1am Friday to Sunday. For more information, visit burnsidesd.com.

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